My goal is to find a bra that relieves all weight of my breasts from my neck and shoulder muscles, and is comfortable to lounge and sleep in. I have a migraine disorder that is aggravated by my breast weight. This bra fits those needs!
Straps: The straps are wide set and rest on the bone of the shoulder, not the muscle. This is critical. The vast majority of sports bras rest on the shoulder muscles or even the neck muscles. One caveat is that I wish the straps were wider, like 1.5" -- perhaps I could add pads?
Band: It has a firm 1" band that remains seated just ... under the breast fold. This significantly helps to distribute the weight between the torso and shoulders.
Support: My test for adequate support is the ability to tilt my head back, like one does to rinse off shampoo in a shower. When my breasts are unsupported, I cannot tilt my head back enough. With poor support, I can tilt my head back but it hurts. With adequate support, I can tilt my head back with no discomfort. This bra passes the test, I can tilt my head back without discomfort. This means the muscles in my neck are no longer being pulled taunt by my breasts. The second support I need is side-to-side support. When I lean from one side or the other, the weight of my breast causes neck pain. This bra keeps my breasts firmly in place preventing them from pulling on my muscles no matter what position I am in.
Comfort: I need to wear a bra 24/7, so I need one that will move with me without pain -- such as how wires dig into the rib cage. The 34 band is firm on my 32" rib cage -- borderline too tight, but is comfortable. I am aware the band is there. It isn't causing any pain to my rib cage when I slouch on the couch, or curl up to watch TV. There is significant weight on my shoulders, so I am aware of the pressure points on my shoulders as much as I am aware of the pressure of the band. But since the straps are resting on only skin and bone, I don't anticipate any further complications than merely feeling them.
This bra meets all my needs. Here's hoping I have less migraines!
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Updated on Dec 13, 2018 Flag this
Best of luck with it! I hope the hooks putting tension on the straps doesn't counter the initial good reaction. It seems like too much "support" by putting it on tighter settings might increase the stress on your shoulders and neck, so definitely be conscious of that.
The design in some ways reminds me of a nursing bra without the openings, and certainly with more adjustability.